Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.
What is love like? The Apostle Paul describes it in chapter 13 of his letter to the Corinthian church. Our verse for today from that chapter contains some of the things he says about it.
First, he says, “Love suffers long and is kind.” Love, one might say, puts up with people. It even puts up with difficult people. People who obey the second greatest commandment, the one about loving your neighbor (Matthew 22:39), don’t quickly give up on people because they have problems or because they require extra attention.
Instead, they’re kind. They go the extra mile. Those who display Christian love do what they have to do to maintain and improve relationships. You don’t have to worry about them giving up on you if you make a wrong move. You can relax in their presence.
Second, “love does not envy.” What does it mean to envy? If someone envies you, it means they resent the fact that you are what they want to be or that you have what they want for themselves. Instead of being happy for you about your success, the envious person is put off by them. They do not love you. Indeed, they cannot love you. You’re a living reminder of everything they’re not and everything they lack. You can’t have a normal relationship with those who have allowed themselves to be envious of you.
Third, “love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.” What does it mean to be puffed up? People who are puffed up are full of themselves. They are full of pride and an inordinate sense of who they are. They can’t properly love anyone because they’re too wrapped up in themselves. That’s why they like to parade their successes and achievements before others, exalting themselves instead of waiting for the genuine praise of others.
In summary, people who exhibit Christian love can demonstrate a Christ-like character in bearing patiently with the weaknesses of others. They have the ability to care about other people and do not give in to jealousy and pride and self-exaltation. Jesus certainly demonstrated these characteristics when He walked the earth; as His followers, we must demonstrate them also.
